This delicious and simple Raw Almond Dip Recipe can be used just like hummus! When the almonds are blended, they create a delicious and creamy spread. It is naturally raw, low-carbohydrate, vegan and gluten-free, making a great option when catering to groups of people.
I’ve been wanting to share this recipe for this chickpea-free Raw Almond Dip for awhile now. In my practice, there are many reasons why clients might need to avoid chickpeas. The most common reason is due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which can cause bloating, gas or pain. Some people are simply looking for low-carbohydrate alternatives. I also try to stand by the goal of 50% of my meals being raw (see my post Is A Raw Diet For You?). Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of the legume family (see my post 5 Reasons You Should Eat Lentils) but this Raw Almond Dip hits the spot for certain dietary needs, and best of all, it is SO tasty.
Ingredients for Raw Almond Dip: Almonds, Lemon, Tahini, Spices and Olive Oil
Why I Made This Raw Almond Dip
Almonds Are High In Vitamins and Minerals
Almonds are one of the best nut sources of Vitamin E, an important antioxidant that aids in protecting cells from oxidative stress (see post What Are Antioxidants Good For – Protection From Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals). They also contain a good amount of magnesium, manganese as well as copper and vitamin B2, including.
Almonds Are High In Healthy Fats
We can rely on almonds, just like other nuts and seeds, for their content of healthy fats. Almonds are particularly high in monounsaturated fat, the same type of healthy fat found in olive oil. A diet high in monounsaturated fats has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Almonds Are Good For Blood Sugar Stabilization
Almonds, just like other nuts and seeds, can play an important role in stabilizing blood sugars. The fibre, protein and healthy fats in these foods don’t break down into glucose, or sugar, and contribute to more stable glycemic control.
Soak almonds for at least 6 hours, ideally 12 hours before using.
Tips For Making This Raw Almond Dip
Do I Need To Soak The Almonds?
Nuts and seeds, just like legumes and grains, should ideally be soaked prior to use. This not only helps the nuts blend better, but it also removes the compound phytic acid present in these foods which bind to minerals including iron, zinc and calcium and make them less bioavailable to our bodies. This is more important for those following a plant-based diet, as these minerals are harder to come by and are less available overall. Soaking the almonds will also make them easier to blend.
How Long Do I Soak The Almonds?
Aim to soak almonds for at least 6 hours, ideally 12, and drain the water before use. See my post How To Get Enough Zinc for Vegans and Vegetarians and How To Make Sprouts & Health Benefits of Sprouted Food for more information.
How Much Garlic Do I Use?
Raw garlic is what is used in traditional hummus, though it can have a strong bite. I find my organic garlic cloves can sometimes be double the size of the common grocery store garlic clove. Start small with garlic, you can always add more. Roasting garlic beforehand results in a more mellow garlic flavour but takes away from the 100% ‘rawness’ of this dish.
Ingredients for Raw Almond Paleo Hummus Blended in Vitamix. Parsley is optional.
Notes On Making This Raw Almond Dip
Can I Use Any Other Nut Or Seed?
I’ve made this almond dip with a mixture of sunflower seeds and hemp hearts which works great as they blend easily and result in a smooth consistency. Sunflower seeds and hemp hearts do not require as long of a soaking process (minimal 1 hour, ideally 3). See Hemp and Sunflower Seed Pate for the recipe.
Can I Make This Almond Dip Without Tahini?
The base of this dip is a classic hummus recipe, but if you don’t have tahini on hand, it can be omitted for this dip. Another option is to add 1/4 cup of sesame seeds instead of tahini.
How To Make Smoked Almond Hummus
Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the recipe for a smoked almond hummus. Toasting the almonds at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes will contribute to a more toasty almond flavour.
What Do I Serve This With?
I love serving this almond dip with sliced cucumbers, or carrot sticks. It also tastes great with these Low Carb Gluten-Free Crackers with Seeds.
Wanting Classic Hummus?
If using almonds as a base for a dip is sounding too outside your comfort zone, feel free to use regular chickpeas. For this recipe use, one 450 gram can of drained, organic chickpeas.
Recipe Adaptions
This recipe was adapted from the Bliss Café Cookbook, a Raw Food Eatery located in Victoria BC. The recipe is pretty much perfect so I have kept most aspects the same. I prefer to add turmeric to mine, both for the health benefits (1), and to improve the colour of the hummus. I also love the addition of fresh parsley, which not only adds a level of freshness but also colour.
Want More Healthy Dip Recipes?
- For another raw dip try this Hemp and Sunflower Seed Pate,
- Or this Cauliflower and Miso Dip.
- For something a little different try this Moroccan Smokey Eggplant Dip,
- Or this Beetroot Dip with Cream Cheese.
- For another little spin on the classic hummus, try this Healthy Oil-Free Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
Pair It With These Low Carb Crackers
Serve this Raw Almond Dip with these Low Carb Gluten Free Crackers with Seeds. They are surprisingly easy to make (no dehydrator required!) and are full of only 100% goodness, no added oils, flours, or funny stuff.
Serve the Raw Almond Paleo Hummus with These Low Carb Seed Crackers
Did you make this Raw Almond Dip Recipe? Let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and share it on Pinterest. If you take a photo of your recreation for Instagram, tag me @theconsciousdietitian so I can see it!
Want More Plant-Based Recipes?
Check out this meal-plan below made by a Registered Dietitian for more recipes like this. A simple one-week vegan meal plan formatted so it easy to follow with tips on how to maximize a plant-based diet, and includes over 30 nourishing drinks and healthy snacks recipes.
Raw Almond Dip | Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds raw, soaked*
- 1/4 cup tahini raw
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup lemon juiced (1 large lemon)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper ground
- 3/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin ground
- 1/4 cup parsley (optional)
Instructions
- *Soak the almonds for at least 6 hours, preferably 12 hours before using. Drain the water before using.
- Add all of the ingredients into a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Option to add parsley for colour and flavour.
- Serve with these Low Carb Gluten-Free Crackers Crackers.
Notes
Can I Use Any Other Nut Or Seed?
I’ve made this almond dip with a mixture of sunflower seeds and hemp hearts which works great as they blend easily and result in a smooth consistency. Sunflower seeds and hemp hearts do not require as long of a soaking process (minimal 1 hour, ideally 3).Can I Make This Almond Dip Without Tahini?
Tahini can be omitted for this dip; another option is to add 1/4 cup of sesame seeds instead of tahini.How To Make Smoked Almond Hummus
Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the recipe for a smoked almond hummus. Toasting the almonds at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes will contribute to a more toasty almond flavour.What Do I Serve This With?
Serve this almond dip with sliced cucumbers, or carrot sticks, or these Low Carb Gluten-Free Crackers with SeedsNutrition
Rachel Dickens, The Conscious Dietitian, is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. She graduated with her Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2010 from Griffith University. She strives to provide evidence-based nutrition information with a focus on plant-based nutrition, and share some of her favourite seasonal recipes and sustainable eating tips.
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